V-League Relegation Battle: Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh in Danger

Once dominant and holding the record for the most V-League titles, the "Eastern Cyclone" Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh is now just a shadow of its former self. The team from Thủ Dầu Một is disappointing its fans with a poor run of form, having gone eight matches without a win, including five losses. Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh faces many difficulties, and the pressure is mounting as the risk of being overtaken by Đà Nẵng becomes evident.

Frequent changes of head coach in an attempt to salvage the situation have not helped Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh regain its trademark flashy attacking style. Now, the team based at Gò Đậu Stadium is struggling in the V-League relegation battle, finding itself in the "red light" group. Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh is showing signs of a "free fall," currently only one point ahead of Đà Nẵng and three points ahead of PVF-CAND.

After a loss to SLNA, coach Hứa Hiền Vinh's team dropped to 12th place in the standings, just one point ahead of the bottom two teams. Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh now faces the risk of direct relegation or having to play a playoff match to retain its spot in the league at the end of the season.

Notably, the schedule for the final two rounds for coach Hứa Hiền Vinh's squad is considered very difficult. In round 25, the Gò Đậu side will be away to Công an Hà Nội. Although they have already secured the V-League title early, coach Polking's strong squad is still aiming to become the champion with the highest total points in league history.

Công an Hà Nội also does not want any unpleasantness on their championship trophy day. Coach Polking's team is eager to secure a victory at Hàng Đẫy Stadium in front of a large home crowd. Therefore, the likelihood of Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh leaving empty-handed in round 25, scheduled for May 31, is very high.

If they fail to earn any points against Công an Hà Nội, Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh will have to save themselves by hosting HAGL in the final round of the season. These two teams, in a similar predicament this V-League season, will create a "reverse final" at Gò Đậu Stadium on June 7.

After 24 rounds, HAGL is temporarily in 11th place with 23 points. The team from Pleiku is two points ahead of Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh and is also predicted to face difficulties in round 25, hosting Hà Nội FC at Pleiku Stadium. If they stumble against the capital team, HAGL will have to compete for points in a direct clash with Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh to hope for a place in next season's V-League.

In recent seasons, the final rounds of the V-League have always been heated and full of drama, with unexpected results. Football always has surprises beyond predictions, so it is understandable that even a team in 11th place like HAGL cannot afford to miscalculate.

The relegation battle is now a race among four teams: HAGL, Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh, SHB Đà Nẵng, and PVF-CAND. Among them, HAGL and Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh have an advantage in points, but their upcoming schedule does not favor them as they face Hà Nội FC and Công an Hà Nội. While Hà Nội FC is maintaining its top-three target and has a duty to "help" SHB Đà Nẵng, Công an Hà Nội cannot miss the chance to equal the record for the highest points total in a season.

In round 25, SHB Đà Nẵng and PVF-CAND face two opponents who have lost their motivation—Hà Tĩnh and Hải Phòng—so their chances of earning points are very bright.

If they come away empty-handed in round 25, HAGL and Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh could be overtaken by Đà Nẵng, or even have PVF-CAND breathing down their necks.

If this scenario plays out, the clash at Gò Đậu Stadium between Becamex TP Hồ Chí Minh and HAGL in the final round will truly be a "reverse final."